On March 9, Interior Health issued a Public Service Announcement to advise of a single measles case confirmed in the IH region, in the 100 Mile House area.

Interior Health medical health officers have determined that this infection was likely acquired outside of the province and is not linked to cases on the B.C. coast. This is the only confirmed measles case in Interior Health at this time.

Interior Health is following up with individuals who have been in contact with the patient to determine immunization status and, if necessary, offering the post-exposure protection. The risk to the broader public is considered low.

If you were at any of the following locations during these times you may have been exposed to measles and could be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis:

Please call 1-855-549-6364 to speak with a public health nurse who will review your vaccine history, determine your immunity to measles, and arrange for post-exposure prophylaxis if eligible.

Public Health clinics for measles immunization have been scheduled in 100 Mile House and Williams Lake for March 11-15. See the clinic schedule.

Anyone who is concerned about exposure to measles should watch for symptoms of measles. Symptoms include: fever, cough, runny nose, and red and inflamed eyes. These are followed by a rash, which starts first on the face and neck, spreads to the chest, arms and legs, and lasts for at least three days.

Please call ahead to your doctor’s office or the hospital if you think you may have been exposed to measles and have developed symptoms. This will allow the office or hospital to make a plan to prevent other people from potential exposure.

If you think you or a loved one may have been exposed to measles but you have no symptoms, you can call 8-1-1 or your local public health centre to speak to a nurse.

Protect yourself and your family

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against measles is to ensure vaccinations are up to date.

You can get the vaccine for free at your local community health centre. Your pharmacist (for adults and kids over five) may also have the vaccine available.

Measles is a serious illness that is caused by a virus. It is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air. Complications from measles can include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), convulsions (seizures), deafness, brain damage, and death.